Alas, I digress. At first glance, Game DVR looks a bit confusing. How can you make it work for you and maximize the app’s potential? Well, here are three tips for making the most of Game DVR in Windows 10.

1. Change the Background Recording Time

By default, Game DVR recordings end after 30 minutes. If you’ve decided to play a full 45-minutes-each-way game of FIFA, or you are battling through an extra-long mission on Grand Theft Auto, that can be a problem.

You can change the settings to capture longer clips of up to two hours. Just open the Windows 10 Settings app and navigate to Gaming > Game DVR > Record this. You can choose either 30 minutes, one hour, or two hours in the dropdown menu.

Just make sure Game DVR is turned on (Windows Settings app > Gaming > Game DVR > Record in the background while I’m playing a game) and press Ctrl + G to summon the Game Bar. You’ll need to mark the checkbox confirming you’re recording a game (just say Yes, this is a game regardless), and hit Record to get started.

3. Use Keyboard Shortcuts

If you’re engrossed in a game, the last thing you need is to be distracted while fiddling about with the Game DVR settings or the Game Bar.

You need to learn these six shortcuts to streamline your experience:

Windows + G: Opens Game bar

Windows + Alt + G: Record the most recent gameplay

Windows + Alt + R: Start/stop recording

Windows + Alt + Print Screen: Take a screenshot of a game

Windows + Alt + T: Show/hide the recording timer

Windows + Alt + M: Start/stop microphone recording

What Game DVR tips do you have? You can share them in the comments below.

Dan is a British expat living in Mexico. He is currently a Senior Writer for MakeUseOf. At various times, he has been the Social Editor, Creative Editor, and Finance Editor. He is also an Editor for MUO's sister site, Blocks Decoded. Prior to his writing career, he was a Financial Consultant. You can follow him on Twitter and Facebook.